Creating

is something that I like to do for myself. I've found being on the Hambly design team to be more challenging than I thought. I've heard people say that they are intimidated by Hambly product, and end up hoarding it. I found that to be how I felt about it at first, but now I just go with it, no fear of making mistakes. And I like what I end up with. That's not why I find it challenging. My issue is that I spent most of my life trying to please others. Trying to figure out what they expected of me, and just doing it. The end of high school and my college years were kind of periods of me trying to do the opposite of that. Doing something unexpected. Doing something just for the sake of being different and surprising people. So, when Hambly chose me for their design team, I was so happy, but I was worried as well. I didn't know why they had chosen me, what they liked about me, and what I should keep doing. I've talked about this dilemma a lot with my mom, and she said, "honey just keep on doing what you do!"
So, that's what I've been trying. Just to make pages as I normally would, for myself. Using Hambly Products. Using my own taste and decisions. But each time I go to create something that is essenially for someone else, I have to remind myself that I am the one who will cherish these pages, this is a creative outlet for me. And in doing so, I just have to hope that people like what they get! :)

So... in saying this, I do miss just creating with my own stuff. Stuff I find. Stuff leftover. Just whatever I've got. But I don't have a lot of time leftover for that, after I finish my quota for Hambly and other secret projects. ;) I love what I make for them with their product, they have my absolute favorite products that are on the market these days. But I think some of you who are on design teams know what I mean.

So, I finally found a solution. Duh. Artist trading cards! Doesn't take a lot of time. Doesn't have to use photos. Doesn't have to be anything big. They can mean something, or just be absolutely vain. But it's a creative outlet for me. And I think it kind of a way to reenergize my creative juices. So yesterday I made some. With scraps of paper and scraps of vintage records I've used for other projects.

And oh look- there's even some Hambly in there! :)

Comments

[Bekka]

Love the ATCs!! Cute stuff!
And your mom's advice is great. :)

[Christen]

I totally know what you mean! I'm asked often at work to make samples for work using products from our online store. My style is not at all collagey-shabby-vintage so at times I feel like I'm losing myself creatively. I hadn't thought of making ATCs because usually the old-fashioned kind come to mind, but yours are perfect and have inspired me to make some myself ... when i find time!

[tara pollard pakosta]

I just adore everything you make!
but i get what you mean! i am on 3 teams and sometimes it's overwhelming and have no time left to use the other stuff i have bought! i love the teams i am on and the product though, so that makes it much easier! keep creating! love it!
tara

[vee]

these are so CUTE!

[Jen]

I completely and totally get this post...it's something I've struggled with more than i care to admit. maybe I'll try your solution. :)

[Christina C]

I am so with you. Right with you on the creative thing. Been feeling that a lot lately.

That is why I too love ATCs. So little and easy and great to be creative with.

Hope you had a very merry holiday and all is well. :D

[Cassandra Lewis]

Love the atc's!!! Great idea!! I'm not on a manufactor design team but I'm sure it can get overwelhming!!! Good luck!!! Hugs!!

[Rachel Denbow]

Loved your ATC's.

Happy New Years!

[cara]

these are so very lovely!!!

[Rachel Anderson]

I so "get" this post. thank you for the idea. I think I am going to try some. and glad you found something that works for you =) happy new year. xo.

[Jen Davis]

I love ATC's, these are great!

[Alicia]

While I'm not on any dt's, I feel the same way when I'm trying to brainstorm ideas for classes to teach at my LSS. I want to please people, but also make stuff that I'M happy with, and want to keep. Sometimes I feel it's draining and no fun, and can think of a million other supplies I'd like to use that my LSS doesn't carry (even though she does a great job). In the end, trust yourself, believe in your talent, because you are inspiring others, daily!

[Åsa]

Nice ATC's!

Happy New Year! ♥

[Chriss J]

Hi,

I found you at 2 peas. I realy like your trading cards. Would you mind telling me how you made them? I would really appreciate it.
You can reach me through my blog. spoonjarchronicles.typepad.com

Thanks!
Happy New Year!
Chriss

[vol25]

Another one to chime in and say you are not alone in this feeling! :) I am not on any design teams, but I often feel this way when I am being commissioned to do a painting, or even when a blog reader gives me an idea for a print. I am always really excited to get busy... but then I worry... "what exactly did THEY have in mind when they suggested idea?" Will they be completely turned off by what I create? I just have to remind myself, that if I try to please "Everyone" all the time, I would basically have no uniqueness to my work. :)

Love your work, your mom does have good advice!!

[dani]

I have to tell you, that I never really care much for ATC's but every single time you have ever posted yours I want to make some so badly! I think my problem is, I don't make just single cards, I join swaps and have to make tons and get sooo burnt out.

[Crafty Green Poet]

I love those cards, beautifully put together, very eye catching

[Jaimie Emmerton]

I love Hambly and use some on almost all of my latest pages. The urban chic frame overlays are the bomb - adding just the right amount of interest to clusters and such.